Connecting with Community, Giving Back, Finding Purpose (DRAKE HALL)

Older adults are one of the greatest untapped resources in this country.  Nonprofits and government organizations are seeking bright, talented individuals like you for volunteer positions that enhance staff capabilities and strengthen board governance.  Finding your perfect fit begins with answering the question, “Who AM I”?  In this course, you will identify your skills, important values, issues that fire your passion, and create a first draft of a purpose statement.  You will learn about boards and commissions, as well as the responsibilities of volunteer service.   A discussion on the range of roles, types of organizations, and how to evaluate positions will aid you in finding the best fit.   

Lynette Reiling has fourteen years of professional experience as a Volunteer Coordinator.  Her last stop was Boomers Leading Change, where she recruited and managed adults, aged 50 and better, who wanted to continue using their skills and experience for social good. In addition, Reiling spent eight years as a Volunteer Coordinator for hospice. She is a certified life coach specializing in midlife transition.  Lynette’s book Your Encore Life: Take Center Stage for Life’s Second Half includes a section on volunteering as part of a broader look at “work” for the next chapter. She believes that volunteering is a valuable career development opportunity. Personally, volunteering has been a lifelong commitment for Lynette, and it is part of her life's purpose. 

Steve VanderMeer has spent over 40 years working in and around public and private nonprofit organizations. This includes working in both public and private nonprofit organizations, serving as a board member and board chair on several nonprofits, and consulting for dozens of nonprofits nationwide. Steve is the author of three publications, including The Policymakers Handbook: A Nuts-and-Bolts Guide to Governance in Public Power. He has lived in Fort Collins for over 35 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a master’s in Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. 

Notes

• A current OLLI membership is required to register for all courses and lectures.
• If you do not have a Spring 2026 membership, one will be added to your cart at checkout.
• OLLI membership fees and course tuition are critical to the Institute's sustainability and are non-refundable.

Testimonials

• "Steve was so organized and relevant."  
• "Lynette brought great enthusiasm and promoted good interaction with the group. Her information was interesting and helpful."